1. Formation of the Council of Ministers:

The task of formation of the ministry begins with the appointment of the Prime Minister by the President. After the appointment of Prime Minister, the President appoints all other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister. The PM determines the strength of his ministry and selects his team of ministers. However this number cannot be more than 15% of the total membership of the Lok Sabha.

2. Allocation of Portfolios:

It is an undisputed privilege of the Prime Minister to allocate portfolios to his ministers. Which particular department is to be given to which minister is determined by him. Any minister objecting to such an allotment invites the wrath of the Prime Minister and can get completely ignored from the ministry.

3. Change of Portfolios:

The Prime Minister has the power to change the departments (portfolios) of the ministers at any time. It is his privilege to shuffle and re-shuffle his ministry any time and as many times as he may like.

4. Chairman of the Cabinet:

The Prime Minister is the leader of the Cabinet. He presides over its meetings. He decides the agenda of its meetings. In fact all matters in the Cabinet are decided with the approval and consent of the Prime Minister. It is up to him to accept or reject proposals for discussions in the Cabinet. All ministers conform to his views and policies. There is scope for deliberations and discussions but not for opposition.

5. Removal of Ministers:

The Prime Minister can demand resignation from any minister at any time, and the latter has to accept the wishes of the former. However, if any minister may fail to resign, the Prime Minister can get him dismissed from the President. In April 2010 Mr. Shashi Throor had to submit his resignation because PM Manmohan Singh had asked him to do so.

6. Chief Link between the President and the Cabinet: